This is a list of current and defunct basketball leagues around the world. The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) issues professional licenses for players playing in professional leagues. GAB had instructed amateur leagues that are paying its players to be under its belt. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this hasn't been applied as the GAB has only allowed professional leagues (of any sport) to operate. Clubs participate pan-European leagues in two ways. Larger clubs play in Euroleague Basketball's system, with several of them having long-term licenses and others having annual licenses (irrespective of domestic league results), akin to the franchise model in North American sports. The Basketball Champions League (BCL) is the other way clubs participate, which is mostly based on sporting merit. A club usually opts to play in the EuroLeague instead of the BCL if it's eligible for both. Midwest Basketball Conference (MBC), 1935–1937; became National Basketball League with 1937–38 season. National Basketball League (NBL), 1937–1949; merged with the Basketball Association of America to become the National Basketball Association. Basketball Association of America (BAA), 1946–1949; merged with the National Basketball League to become the National Basketball Association. Continental Basketball Association (CBA), 1946–2009;[1] originally named Eastern Pennsylvania Basketball League, then Eastern Professional Basketball League. American Basketball Association (ABA), 1967–1976, Merged with NBA, four teams now in NBA. World Basketball League (WBL), 1988–1992; was founded as the International Basketball Association in November 1987, before changing its name prior to the 1988 season. Global Basketball Association (GBA), 1991-92 - December 1992; league folded midway through 1992–93 season. Women's Professional Basketball Association (WPBA), 1975; the league folded before it ever started. Ladies Professional Basketball Association (LPBA), 1980–81; formed as a rival league to the WBL when the WBL began to experience financial problems. The league was poorly organized and played only five (or seven) games before disbanding with three teams never playing a game. National Women's Basketball Association (NWBA), 1986; the league folded right before the season was supposed to start. Liberty Basketball Association (LBA), 1991; played one pre-season exhibition game on February 10, 1991, before disbanding. ^ "Continental Basketball Association Confronts an Uncertain Future". New York Times. 8 February 2009. This page was last edited on 28 April 2024, at 02:48 (UTC). additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.